If you have a craving for something crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor, then you absolutely need to try this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe. These delightful little tacos bring together tender, marinated chicken with the perfect crispy wonton shell, topped with fresh coleslaw and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds that add a final touch of texture and nuttiness. It’s a dish that’s both fun to eat and impressive enough for guests, all while being surprisingly straightforward to make at home. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a staple in your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe lies in its simple but vibrant ingredient list. Each component adds to the overall harmony—whether it’s the succulent glazed chicken, the crisp wonton shells, or the fresh, crunchy coleslaw. Here’s exactly what you’ll want ready for this flavorful dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: The star protein that soaks up all the marvelous marinade flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a deep umami kick and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the marinade.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory punch that awakens the palate.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a spicy brightness that balances the richness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a toasty aroma that’s essential to authentic Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking): Used to sear the chicken to a beautiful golden-caramelized finish.
- 1 cup coleslaw mix: Brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts delightfully with warm chicken.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Provides a fresh herbal note that lifts the whole taco.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted: Adds a nutty crunch and eye-catching garnish.
- 12 square wonton wrappers: The crispy vessel that holds all the delicious fillings together, baked to perfection.
How to Make Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. This marinade is a beautiful blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements that will infuse every bite of the chicken. Toss in the diced chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Let it soak up all those incredible flavors for about 20 minutes; this is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a skillet or frying pan. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. You’ll want to sauté them so they get that irresistible caramelized look, cooking through thoroughly in about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is tender, juicy chicken with a glossy, slightly sticky glaze coating each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Wonton Shells
While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F. To create the perfectly shaped taco shells, gently press each square wonton wrapper into the wells of a muffin tin or drape them over an inverted rack. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp up nicely. These will cradle your filling with a delightful crunch you just can’t resist.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Once the chicken is ready and the wonton shells are cool but still crisp, it’s assembly time. Spoon the warm, flavorful chicken pieces into each shell. Add a spoonful of fresh coleslaw mix on top to bring a cool, crunchy contrast, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. This layering creates a balance of textures and flavors that makes this Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh while the shells remain crispy and the chicken warm. Serving them right away guarantees that delightful combination of warmth and crunch with every bite. So grab a napkin, plate up, and dig in!
How to Serve Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your tacos visually and flavor-wise, fresh chopped green onions or a drizzle of spicy mayo work beautifully alongside the cilantro and sesame seeds. A squeeze of lime can bring a bright, zesty note that complements the savory chicken perfectly. These small additions can turn your homemade taco into a gourmet treat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t overshadow the tacos. Try serving with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing balance. For a heartier meal, a bowl of miso soup or edamame on the side would round out the flavors neatly and keep the Asian-inspired theme consistent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family gathering, arrange the wonton tacos on a large platter garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro. You can even offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side like sweet chili, soy sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo for guests to personalize their bites. Presenting them on mini wooden boards or colorful plates adds a fun visual pop that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though chances are slim!), store the cooked chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge. The wonton shells are best kept crisp, so it’s ideal to store them in a dry, airtight container at room temperature rather than refrigerated.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s not recommended to freeze the wonton shells as they tend to lose their crispness after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For the wonton shells, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to restore some of their original crunch before assembling your tacos again.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply toss it in the marinade briefly for flavor, then warm it up and proceed with the assembly. It’s a great shortcut to save time.
What can I substitute for wonton wrappers if I can’t find them?
Tortilla shells or mini taco shells can work in a pinch, though they won’t have the same crisp, delicate crunch as baked wontons. Alternatively, you can try baking thin flour tortillas to create a crispy base.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe is mildly seasoned but not spicy by default. However, you can easily add heat by incorporating sriracha or chili flakes into the marinade or as a topping if that’s your style.
Can I prepare the coleslaw mix from scratch?
Definitely! A simple coleslaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar works perfectly to add freshness and crunch to these tacos.
How can I make these tacos vegetarian?
For a meat-free version, swap out the chicken for diced tofu or tempeh marinated in the same soy-hoisin mixture. Sauté until golden, and assemble as usual for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of crispy wonton shells filled with glazed chicken and fresh, crunchy toppings—Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe captures that delight perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but polished enough to impress friends. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and treat yourselves to this fun, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your home kitchen!
Print
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos combine tender, marinated chicken sautéed to caramelized perfection, nestled in crispy baked wonton shells, and topped with fresh coleslaw, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. This appetizer offers a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and crunchy textures perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade and Filling
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For Garnish and Assembly
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 12 square wonton wrappers
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add the diced chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors deeply.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and caramelized on the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare Wonton Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape each wonton wrapper into a taco shell form by pressing them into a muffin tin or taco rack. Bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until the shells turn golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble the Tacos: Carefully fill each baked wonton shell with the sautéed chicken. Top with a generous amount of coleslaw mix, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, and finish with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Wonton Tacos immediately while the shells remain warm and crispy for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.
- To make the wonton shells ahead, bake and store them in an airtight container to maintain crispness before filling.
- Substitute coleslaw mix with shredded red cabbage and carrots for a fresh crunchy topping.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet before sprinkling.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
